Pay disparity has Santa Fe officers heading to Albuquerque

August 28, 2018

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The pay disparity between the Santa Fe and Albuquerque police departments, highlighted by a recent raise for Albuquerque officers, is causing alarm for Santa Fe police officers and commanders who say more members of their already short-staffed department are leaving to join Albuquerque’s police force.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports a starting police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department makes $29 an hour.

The same recruit would make $19 an hour with Santa Fe police.

Santa Fe police are telling the city if the force can’t offer a competitive package to retain officers, there could soon be a staffing and public safety crisis.

Police Union President Tony Trujillo and members of the police force will discuss the issue with the Santa Fe City Council and Mayor Alan Webber on Wednesday.